If you’d rather be safe than sorry this boating season, take advantage of the free watercraft safety inspection being offered on Saturday June 18. The free inspection is scheduled to take place between 7 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Cody Wal-Mart parking lot.
The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that boats are properly registered and equipped with safety and operational equipment. Each inspection takes approximately 15 minutes, depending upon the condition and number of watercraft present. Watercraft — which includes boats, jets skis and wave runners — that are in compliance and pass the safety inspection will receive two 2011, “Safe Boat” inspection stickers, indicating they are properly equipped with safety equipment.
“A dry-land safety inspection is a preventative measure; it could save lives,” said Cody game warden Craig Sax, who will conduct and coordinate the inspection. According to Sax, one benefit of having a game warden inspect your boat on dry land is that no citations will be issued.
“Certainly it is better to discover that something like a life jacket or fire extinguisher needs to be replaced before getting on the water,” said Sax. “You never know when an accident might occur or when you might find yourself in an emergency situation.”
The department uses a very detailed checklist while conducting the inspections and makes note of equipment for the boat owner that should be replaced or repaired.
Sax also encourages boaters to do a little home study and take the free “Boating Basics” course offered by the department.
“The boating basics course is a good way to increase your general watercraft knowledge and safety and may qualify for reduced insurance rates with some carriers,” added Sax.
For more information on the boating basics course or free watercraft inspections, call the Cody region office at 1-800-654-1178.
No comments:
Post a Comment